1846 Liberty Seated Half Dime. Proof-64 (PCGS). CAC. This elegant specimen is fully original with iridescent undertones of reddish-gold, steel-lilac and powder blue to rich olive-gray patina. Reflective fields support satiny, smartly impressed design elements. Free of even trivial distractions, this is a premium Choice example of a date in the half dime series that is rare in both Proof and circulation strike format.<p>Since the United States Mint did not start recording the number of Proof silver coins struck each year until 1859, there is no way for todays numismatists to know how many half dimes were produced in this format in 1846. There could not have been many, for sure, since numismatics as a hobby had yet to gain widely popularity in this country. Writing in his 2016 <em>Guide Book of Liberty Seated Silver Coins</em>, Q. David Bowers estimates the mintage at 10 to 20 pieces, and we suspect that the total number extant is no greater than 15 coins. This is our first offering for the issue since 2013. If one were to own just one Proof Liberty Seated half dime from the 1840s, they should unhesitatingly pick the 1846. Some might be rarer, but the reputation of the 1846 as the key date of the decade, based upon the elusive quality of circulation strikes (just 27,000 pieces struck), gives it a special cachet. The present piece is outstanding, and we expect a lot of competition when it crosses the block. From our (Stacks) June Sale of 1973, lot 992. Lot tag included.
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